Denzel Aberdeen tells Kentucky fans what to expect from him

Florida guard Denzel Aberdeen was a contributing member off the bench for a Gator team last season which won the National Championship, as he averaged 7.7 points and 1.4 assists in 39 games. He surprisingly entered the Transfer Portal following the season, immediately becoming a prized possession to teams all around the country.

Aberdeen quickly committed to coach Mark Pope and Kentucky, becoming another crucial piece to the Wildcats’ No. 2 ranked portal class in the country.

He let Kentucky fans know what to expect from him this season earlier this week, including wanting to play fast and emerging as a defensive stopper.

“I’m just gonna bring in 100 percent each and every game,” Aberdeen said. “Whatever coach [Mark Pope] wants me to do, I’m going to do it. Whether that’s scoring, guarding, coming in to rebound or just playing defense. I’ll do anything to help this team win. I’m just happy I’m here and I’m ready to play in Rupp [Arena] to be honest.”

In Florida‘s 106-100 loss to Kentucky on January 4, Aberdeen scored just four points off the bench. His role expanded in the NCAA Tournament however, as he averaged 6.0 points and 1.8 rebounds. He played 18 minutes off the bench in the Gators’ 65-63 win over Houston in the National Championship game, scoring seven points on 2-4 shooting from the field.

“I love how they run a lot of actions and cutting actions and stuff like that,” Aberdeen continued. “I remember playing them and it was very hard to guard. I’m hoping this year it’s going to be the same. They play very fast and that’s how I like to play. It’s kinda my play style, getting up and down. And also, he loves to defend. He loves the defensive side too so I think that’s one of my strong suits, coming in and defending the best guys. And then just being aggressive when I’m in there on offense.”

Aberdeen has been a pivotal piece to Kentucky‘s star-studded Transfer Portal class. He’s joined by Alabama forward Mouhamed Dioubate, Pittsburgh guard Jaland Lowe, Arizona State forward Jayden Quaintance, Miami (OH) center Reece Potter and Tulane forward Kam Williams to go along with returners guard Otega Oweh, forward Brandon Garrison, forward Trent Noah and guard Collin Chandler.

The Orlando, FL native will be a key member to Kentucky‘s 2025-26 team as it looks to reach the Final Four for the first time since 2015 and win a National Championship for the first time since 2012.